Just north of Exit 114 off I-40 in Cibola County, the Pueblo of Laguna sits on a small hill with the San José de la Laguna Mission church dominating the skyline. Built in 1699, the church is one of the oldest in the United States and contains some of the finest Pueblo-inflected Spanish Colonial art in the Southwest. The feast day on September 19 is a wonderful event, open to respectful visitors. Arts and crafts are available in and around town, and you can check in at the tribal offices to visit the church. Services at the pueblo itself are limited, but Laguna also operates the Dancing Eagle Casino to the west and the larger Route 66 Casino to the east.
Laguna
New Mexico pueblo hill settlement dominated by the 1699 San José de la Laguna Mission
Guide
Getting There
Laguna Pueblo is located directly off Interstate 40 at Exit 114, about 45 miles west of Albuquerque. By car from Albuquerque it is a straightforward 40-minute drive west on I-40. There is no regular public transit to the pueblo itself, though Greyhound buses stop in Grants, about 30 miles further west. The Dancing Eagle Casino and Route 66 Casino — both operated by the Laguna tribe — are visible from the highway and have fuel and convenience facilities.
Guide
Things to Do
Laguna Pueblo is a living Native American community, not a theme park. Visitors are welcome at the church and around the main plaza, but should be respectful of private areas and tribal protocols. Photography restrictions vary — always ask before taking pictures of people or ceremonies.